Cleaning is easier if everyone helps

Wednesday

Sep 4, 2013 at 2:00 AM

You know that old saying that when you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail? Well, in downtown Middletown, when you have a broom and a dustpan, any litter that shows up outside the shop door looks like something you can clean up yourself instead of waiting for somebody else to do it.

You know that old saying that when you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail? Well, in downtown Middletown, when you have a broom and a dustpan, any litter that shows up outside the shop door looks like something you can clean up yourself instead of waiting for somebody else to do it.

That's the theory behind the latest good idea being peddled door to door by the Business Improvement District in Middletown with many of the brooms being delivered by the mayor, Joe DeStefano, himself.

Many people who operate many a shop on many a Main Street already take on this task but it can't hurt to remind the others and to stress the message that they are all in this together.

This is just the latest in the long-term and far reaching attempts by Middletown officials and business leaders to confront those quality-of-life issues, such as litter and noise, where a little effort makes a big difference.

It's an approach that other leaders in other cities and villages can copy quickly and inexpensively with a quick and lasting return on the small investment.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.